The next phase in the delivery of the £212.7m Western Link development has been given the green light.

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved the offer for the scheme to be placed into the Department for Transport’s ‘Large Local Major Schemes Programme’.

Confirmation of ‘Programme Entry’ means work can now begin on the pre-construction stage of the major highway scheme.

This will culminate in the submission of the Final Major Transport Scheme Business Case, which is required to secure full approval from the Department for Transport. Gaining full approval will allow the scheme to be constructed, unlocking £142.5m in government funding – with the remaining £70.2m coming from the council.

Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “The Western Link is a vital part of Warrington’s ongoing growth and prosperity. It will tackle major congestion points, increase network resilience and route choice, and help maintain the borough’s strong economic performance.

“Confirmation of Programme Entry is a hugely important milestone for Western Link. It means we can now press ahead with the range of detailed work required to deliver the scheme. We’ll continue to talk to local people, and listen to their views, as these important plans progress.”

Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “Western Link is now entering its next, crucial phase. Our vision remains clear, to relieve congestion in our town centre, improve links between north and south Warrington, and support our ongoing growth.

“There’s a great deal of work ahead, but the extensive work we’ve carried out so far demonstrates our commitment to delivering this project, which is so vital to our plans to make Warrington a more attractive place to live, work and visit.”